CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A judge denied bail Monday to an Ohio man accused of slamming his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one of them, during a white nationalist rally.

James Alex Fields Jr., 20, appeared in Charlottesville General District Court by video conference, where a judge read out the charges that include one count of second-degree murder, several counts of malicious wounding and one count of hit and run.

Clad in a striped gray and white shirt, Fields was subdued while answering questions from Judge Robert Downer. Fields said he could not afford a lawyer, and Downer assigned private attorney Charles Weber to the case.

Downer said he could not appoint a public defender due to a conflict of interest —someone linked to the public defender's office was injured in the crash Saturday. Fields’ next court date will be Aug. 25.

Heather Heyer, 32, was killed and 19 people were injured Saturday when a Dodge Challenger allegedly driven by Fields rear-ended a sedan, which then hit a minivan that had slowed to allow the counter-protesters to cross at an intersection, Charlottesville police said. The impact pushed the vehicles into the crowd, police said in a statement. The Challenger fled the scene, but officers stopped it a short time later and arrested Fields, police said.

The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the car attack, and FBI Director Christopher Wray said Monday it does meet the definition of domestic terrorism.

President Trump said he discussed the case with Wray and Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions. Trump, who condemned the violence hours after the tragedy but drew criticism for blaming "many sides," blasted white supremacists Monday.

"Racism is evil, and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," he said.

Trump also paid homage to Heyer and to two State Troopers who died when their surveillance helicopter crashed in woods hours after Heyer's death.

Heyer was killed shortly after police broke up the rally, which was a protest against the city's plans to remove a state of Confederate general Robert E. Lee from a park. The rally drew hundreds of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and others, some dressed in militia-type garb and carrying weapons.

Clashes between them and counter-protesters prompted Gov. Terry McAuliffe to declare a state of emergency before the rally even got underway. The crowd mostly dispersed after police stepped in, and that is when the crash occurred.

Fields' mother Samantha Bloom told CBS News she heard about the charges facing her son from a news reporter.

"I just knew he was going to a rally," she told CBS. "I didn't know it was white supremacist. I thought it had something to do with Trump."

Fields graduated high school in 2015, and the Army has confirmed that Fields reported for basic training in August of 2015. He was released from active duty a few months later "due to a failure to meet training standards," the Army said in a statement.

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Graphic video: A bystander captures the moment a car slams into a crowd at a white nationalist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Former Randall K. Cooper High School history teacher Derek Weimer, 45, of Florence, Ky., told The (Cincinnati) Enquirer in an interview that he was probably the closest to Fields out of everyone on the faculty.

“I’m sure if you would ask James he would say I was his favorite or one of his favorite teachers,” said Weimer, adding that he had Fields in three classes directly and had regular interaction with him after classes and during free time.

“I feel like I failed and that we all failed,” Weimer said of Fields. “He was a very bright kid but very misguided and disillusioned.”

Weimer told the Associated Press that Fields was fascinated with Nazism, idolized Adolf Hitler and had "deeply held, radical" convictions on race.

"Once you talked to James for a while, you would start to see that sympathy towards Nazism, that idolization of Hitler, that belief in white supremacy," Weimer said. "It would start to creep out."

A photo of Heather Heyer, who was killed during a white nationalist rally, sits on the ground at a memorial the day her life was celebrated at the Paramount Theater on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Evan Vucci, AP

Marcus Martin, right, hugs Marissa Blair, left, during a memorial for Heather Heyer on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Martin pushed Blair out of the way of the vehicle that killed Heyer. Pool photo by Andrew Shurtleff

Clergy observe a moment of silence during the memorial service for Heather Heyer outside the Paramount Theater Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. The memorial service was held four days after Heyer was killed when a participant in a white nationalist, neo-Nazi rally allegedly drove his car into the crowd of people demonstrating against the 'alt-right' gathering. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Jason Charter of Washington, left, stands at the site where Heather Heyer was killed during a white nationalist rally on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Charter was at the scene when a car rammed into a crowd of people protesting the rally. Evan Vucci, AP

A chalk message calling for a park to be renamed after Heather Heyer is written in the street where she was killed and 19 others injured when a car slamed into a crowd of people protesting against a white supremacist rally, Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Mason Pickett, a Charlottesville resident, tries to toss a wire over the chalk wall to hang up a wreath. Following protests that turned violent on Aug. 12, 2017, and a day of memorial and mourning on 13th, Charlottesville, Va, continues to recover. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Tannis Fuller embraces her son while her husband and other son stands nearby. Fuller moved to Charlottesville in 2003 and started a family from scratch, both her sons were born in the town and she was just blocks away at the time when Heather Heyer was killed. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

The memorial on 4th Street is built up with more flowers while two spectators drop their bouquets into the formation. Following protests that turned violent on Saturday and a day of memorial and mourning on Sunday, the town of Charlottesville, Va., continues to recover from the social rift. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

People gather at an informal memorial at the site where 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting against the white supremacist Unite the Right rally on Aug. 13, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Charlottesville is calm the day after violence errupted around the Unite the Right rally, a gathering of white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and members of the 'alt-right,' that left Heyer dead and injured 19 others. Win McNamee, Getty Images

After threats of alt-right presence in the area, a crowd of hundreds of mourners and citizens showed up to a vigil on Aug. 13, 2017, at the crash site in Charlottesville, Va., where Heather Heyer was killed when a car barreled into a group of protesters. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Brittney Cain-Conley, lead organizer for Congregate Charlottesville, with hat, gets a hug from a supporter after she addressed the crowd during a vigil on, Aug. 13, 2017, held at the site where a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting a white nationalist rally on Saturday in Charlottesville, Va. Steve Helber, AP

Hundreds of people gather for a vigil on the spot where 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting against the white supremacist Unite the Right rally Aug. 13, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Flowers and notes are left in memory of Heather Heyer, who died after she was struck when a car plowed into a crowd protesting the 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, Indy Star-USA TODAY NETWORK

David Brear, gray shirt, Kerry Rock, facing camera, and Colleen Todd, red shirt, embrace after visiting the memorial for the three who passed away the day before during the protests. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY Sports

A protester throws a punch at Jason Kessler after grabbing at his shoulder during a press conference. Kessler, an alt-right blogger, held a press conference in front of Charlottesville City Hall the day after the protests, where a crowd of counter protesters arrived to shout over him while he spoke into the microphone on Aug. 13, 2017. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Virginia police are stationed in locations all around the podium as Jason Kessler, an alt-right blogger, holds a press conference in front of Charlottesville City Hall the day after the protests, where a crowd of counter protesters arrived to shout over him while he spoke on Aug. 13, 2017. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY Sports

"I just don't want to see people get hurt anymore," said Charlottesville resident Mai Shurtleff, left. "I have a little girl I just can't imagine." As Shurtleff sat weeping on the sidewalk near the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one, Damonia Lee approached. "We are fighting for equality. I was here. I hugged her. She was so sweet," Lee said, about the young female who lost her life. "We're going to take our city back. This is a city of love." Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A counter protester warns police that if actions, hate aren't stopped he will 'do something' on his own. He and others voiced their opinions over a loud speaker after the press conference by 'Unite the Right' organizer Jason Kessler in Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Crowd members play loud instruments and yell as to drown out the voice of 'Unite the Right' rally organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler as he speaks to a large crowd gathered at Charlottesville City Hall on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Nicole Curry, a life-long resident of Charlottesville, watches from inside the Charlottesville Downtown Visitors Center as people start to file onto the grounds in front of City Hall to watch a press conference by 'Unite the Right' organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

'Unite the Right' rally organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler speaks to a large crowd gathered at Charlottesville City Hall. Crowd members played loud instruments and yelled as to drown out his voice on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Following the violence during the Alt-right rally and counter protests, where one person was killed and nineteen injured after being hit by a car, the city of Charlottesville reacts. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Jewel King presents flowers to a small memorial following the violence at the Alt-right rally and counter protests where one person was killed and nineteen injured after being hit by a car. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

David Heins spreads flowers in the shape of a heart on Sunday in Charlottesville, Va., a day after one person died in violent protests when white supremacists clashed with counter protesters. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Charlottesville resident Mai Shurtleff, right, sits weeping on the sidewalk near the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one. "This wasn't something I expected to happen in our town," she said as Charlottesville resident Bob Kiefer consoled her on Aug. 13, 2017. "This does not define Charlottesville at all. We are a strong, loving community. I don't even know this gentleman but as strangers we are friends. This is what makes us stronger together." Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

TC Whysall, manager at Red Pump Kitchen in Charlottesville, lays white roses on the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

People fly into the air as a vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. The nationalists were holding the rally to protest plans by the city of Charlottesville to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. There were several hundred protesters marching in a long line when the car drove into a group of them. Ryan M. Kelly, The Daily Progress via AP

Virginia State Police inspect the site where a vehicle hit protesters in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. According to media reports at least one person was killed and 19 injured after a car hit a crowd of people counter-protesting the 'Unite the Right' rally. Tasos Katopodis, European Pressphoto Agency

Police and members of the National Guard patrol near the location where a car plowed into a crowd of people marching through a downtown shopping district on Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

AUGUST 12: Krystin Rines, center, rests her head on her husband Tyler Rines' shoulder during a vigil for those who were injured and died when a car plowed into a crowd of anti-fascist counter-demonstrators marching near a downtown shopping area Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Win McNamee, Getty Images

People place flowers at a makeshift memorial during a vigil for those who were injured and died when a car plowed into a crowd of anti-facist counter-demonstrators marching near a downtown shopping area Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Win McNamee, Getty Images

People gather for a vigil after a car plowed through a crowd of demonstrators, killing one person and injuring 18 others, during violence at the white nationalist 'United the Right' rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency after white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" violently clashed with anti-facist and Black Lives Matter counter-demonstrators at Emancipation Park. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

A car plows into pedestrians and vehicles on the mall in Charlottesville after Saturday's white supremacist rally. The driver hit the knot of cars and people at high speed, then backed up and fled the scene. Jeremiah Knupp, Special to The News Leader via USA TODAY Network

Rescue personnel help injured people after a car ran into a large group of protesters after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. The nationalists were holding the rally to protest plans by the city of Charlottesville to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. There were several hundred protesters marching in a long line when the car drove into a group of them. Steve Helber, AP

A member of a white nationalist group recovers after being hit by a counter protester on the grounds of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during a 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

A member of a white nationalist group recovers after being hit by pepper spray by a counter protester on the grounds of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during a 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

White nationalists swing their flag sticks and use makeshift shields to push their way through counter protesters at Emancipation Park during the 'Unite the Right' rallyon Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A white nationalist prepares to swing his flag stick and use makeshift shields to help push his crew's way through counter protesters at Emancipation Park during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A Charlottesville police officer breaks up a fight on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A counter protester, left, feuds with a white nationalist on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A white nationalist guards the entrance to Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. The man wore a red wings pin on the collar of his shirt. According to the Detroit Free Press, "The Detroit Red Wings are exploring possible legal action after a slightly modified team logo appeared on signs held by protesters at a violent and deadly white nationalist rally in Virginia on Saturday. " Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A Charlottesville Police officer breaks up a fight on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

Colleen Cook, 26, holds a sign as hundreds of people are facing off in Charlottesville, Va., ahead of a white nationalist rally planned in the Virginia city's downtown on Aug. 12, 2017. Cook, a teacher who attended UVA, said she sent her black son out of town for the weekend. "This isn't how he should have to grow up," she said. Sarah Rankin, AP

White nationalist Richard Spencer, center, and his supporters clash with Virginia State Police in Lee Park after the "United the Right" rally was declared an unlawful gathering Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clashed with anti-facist protesters and police as they attempted to hold a rally in Lee Park, where a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee is slated to be removed. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" are confronted by protesters as they march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug.12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. A Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug.12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange vollys of pepper spray with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange insults with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange insults with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

A man makes a slashing motion across his throat twoard counter-protesters as he marches with other white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Multiple white nationalist groups march with torches through the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville on Aug. 11, 2017. When met by counter protesters, some yelling "Black lives matter," tempers turned into violence. Multiple punches were thrown, pepper spray was sprayed and torches were used as weapons.
Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Campus and state police yell to disperse as white nationalists and counter protesters feud on the UVA campus in Charlottesville on August 11, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK